By Sam Mitchell

In San Diego, there are not many people my age; I am the only teenager there with a much younger brother. I wish there were more kids or teenagers to talk to as it can get lonely. But I am reminded that I must not let anyone despise my youth, but that I must concentrate on being an example to others in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith and in purity.

This shows me that even though I am young, I can still be an example and serve God. 

Sometimes I feel like I am unable to help out or that I am too young to do important things for the Church. Others might feel the same way, but again, I am reminded that young people are told not to use their young age as an excuse, but that God is with them wherever they go. 

This shows me that everyone has a place in God’s Plan, no matter how old or young they are, as long as they follow Him.

I want to keep progressing in my faith and follow God the best I can, as His Word needs to be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. As a young person in the Church, I hope to be able to help and encourage others by staying faithful, following God’s Way and trusting Him to lead me each day.

God’s Help

by Henrik Mikoleit (9)

I was having a normal day at school until I noticed a boy talking badly about me behind my back and spreading lies about me. This made me angry and sad. At home, I told my parents.

That same evening, I prayed to God with them and asked Him for wisdom in this situation. My mom then conducted a role-playing exercise with me on how I should best act in such situations.

Before I went to school the next day, I asked God for help again in my morning prayer. When I had a break, I met the boy. God gave me the courage to point out his meanness to him. Although I was very nervous, God intervened and gave the boy insight so that he stopped.

I am very grateful that God helped me in this situation, and I have had peace and tranquility ever since.

By Delayla Sperzel (15) – Germany

My mom and I went to my orthodontist because I had to get fixed braces. We went to appointments on three consecutive days and I was trying to predict which pliers the orthodontist was going to use during the application and got it right each time, as I’m a very quick learner. When he heard that, he asked me if I wanted to do an internship at the clinic. Since I was still searching for something at this point, I brought an application with me the next day. He was very enthusiastic about this application and asked me if I had time for an internship and we made appointments together for this.

Therefore, at the beginning of July, I spent 3 days doing an internship in the orthodontics practice.

On the last day of my internship, the boss invited me to his office, where he praised me very much, and told me that he was very impressed that I had done such a wonderful job and that I had a great and positive charisma. After the great praise, he gave me the wonderful message that he would like me to be part of his team.

I give thanks to God and His leadership and how God intervened in my new phase of life and put all the pieces of the puzzle together. Now he has provided me with a wonderful education and a very nice and understanding boss.

Initial Translation: Anna Link